In the conditions of large cities, as a rule, it is possible to wash a car only in places specially designed for this - at car washes. At the same time, there are several types of car washes: manual, contactless and mechanical. Other things being equal, you should probably prefer a touchless car wash or, alternatively, a large mechanical car wash. However, it should be remembered that the quality of a car wash to a greater extent depends on the qualifications of the personnel and the quality of the detergents used.
In the winter season, before entering the car wash, ask if it is possible to blow out the locks and door seals with compressed air. After blowing out the locks, treat them with a penetrating lubricant.
But in the summer, if possible, why not wash the car yourself? For self-washing you will need the following:
- a bucket with a capacity of 8-10 liters;
- hose connected to the water supply (if this is not possible, then another bucket with a capacity of 8-10 liters);
- big sponge (there are many different options for car sponges on sale, choose one. which you like and can afford);
- special car shampoo;
- small towel, rag or chamois (for removing water from the surface of the car after washing). For the initial removal of water, you can additionally purchase a special rubber scraper.
Execution sequence
Warning! Do not wash a vehicle that is very hot and exposed to direct sunlight.
1. Rinse the car with clean water from a hose or bucket, starting from the roof of the car.
2. Pour shampoo into the bucket (in the amount indicated in the instructions attached to it).
3. Pour water into the bucket, preferably under pressure, to obtain abundant foam.
4. Having drowned the sponge in a bucket, we absorb as much water as possible into it and, starting from the roof of the car, wash off the dirt without making much effort.
5. When the liquid absorbed by the sponge runs out, rinse the sponge in clean water.
6. We repeat the operations of paragraphs 3-4, gradually descending from the roof of the car to the thresholds.
7. Lastly, wash the wheels of the car.
8. After the entire body is washed, rinse the body again with clean water from a hose or bucket, starting from the roof of the car. At the same time, we try to completely wash off the remnants of the shampoo along with the soaked dirt.
9. After rinsing with a small towel or suede, wipe the water on the car body (without rubbing water over the surface of the body, but driving it from top to bottom). This must be done quickly enough, until the water dries up and leaves streaks on the body.
Recommendation. For the initial removal of water, you can use a special rubber scraper.
That's the whole simple process. It doesn't always work out well the first time. But do not be upset: after 2-3 washes, the result will be quite comparable with the result of most car washes.
Recommendation. After washing the body, it is advisable to wash the car windows («Glass care»), as stains usually remain on the glasses.